Family vacations are a fantastic way to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway and escape the everyday routine. However, planning a trip can be tricky, especially with kids of different ages and preferences. There’s so much to consider, from finding family-friendly accommodations to picking a destination with activities everyone will love. To make things easier, we’ve done the homework and rounded up the best family vacation ideas for this December. Let’s get right into it.
1. New York City, USA
If you’re planning a trip to New York City during Christmas with kids, there’s so much to see and do that will make for an unforgettable experience. A must-visit is Bryant Park’s Winter Village. It has a large ice skating rink, over 170 shops offering food, holiday gifts, and more, making it perfect for families who want to get into the thick of festive spirit. Other top activities include visiting the massive Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, checking out holiday markets like the Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets, and enjoying the extravagant Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. For a fun cultural stop, the Museum of Natural History offers themed events for kids. And don’t miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes—it’s a holiday tradition everyone will enjoy.
2. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a top destination for family-friendly fun, with countless activities for kids and parents alike. Famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort provide thrilling rides and interactive shows that create magical memories. Families can also explore creative adventures at the Crayola Experience, full of hands-on art activities. For a touch of nature, Leu Gardens and Lake Eola Park offer scenic spots for picnics or paddle boating. ICON Park adds even more excitement with attractions, dining options, and stunning views from The Wheel, a 400-foot observation ride. Attractions like Gatorland and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium allow close encounters with Florida’s wildlife and exotic marine creatures.
3. Costa Rica, Central America
Costa Rica is known for its welcoming atmosphere and low crime rate with a well-established tourism infrastructure, accommodations, guides, and transport services that cater to families. This makes it a safe and family-friendly destination. One of the top family-friendly activities is zip-lining through the canopy, with places like Monteverde and La Fortuna offering eco-friendly options for thrill-seekers. Costa Rica is also home to many hot springs, such as those near Arenal Volcano, where families can relax in natural thermal pools after a day of adventure. For nature lovers, the country’s national parks, like Manuel Antonio, offer opportunities for wildlife watching, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, all set against the backdrop of beautiful beaches.
4. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the “Capital of Christmas” for a reason, with its legendary Christmas market that has been delighting families for centuries. The market, one of the oldest in Europe, features over 300 stalls selling holiday decorations, local crafts, and festive food. Strasbourg offers plenty of kid-friendly fun, such as ice skating at Place Kléber and charming puppet shows that bring holiday stories to life. Children can also participate in holiday workshops where they can create their own ornaments or bake festive treats. A special highlight is the children’s train ride through the decorated streets, making it the perfect family getaway for a December holiday.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another great family-friendly destination in December, with a festive atmosphere that is hard to beat. The city’s Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe, with the Rathausplatz Christmas Market as its highlight. You can explore charming stalls selling local handicrafts, enjoy the view and seasonal treats.For a quieter experience, head to the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market. There is also the Wiener Eistraum ice skating rink in front of City Hall, perfect for families to enjoy skating together. The Prater amusement park also has a variety of rides and activities. Vienna’s cultural sites also add to the festive magic. You can visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, where you’ll find special holiday displays.
6. Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya is an excellent choice for families looking for adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. With its renowned safaris in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park, families can experience the thrill of seeing the “Big Five” and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Kenya’s beautiful coastal areas, like Diani Beach and Watamu, offer pristine beaches, water sports, and family-friendly resorts. Nairobi also has several family-friendly attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (home to orphaned elephants), and Nairobi National Park, where families can see wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline.
7. Busan, South Korea
The holiday season brings festive lights and events to life across South Korea. A great destination for families in December, kids will love interactive spots like the Children’s Museum in the National Museum of Korea, where they can learn about history in a hands-on way. The Trick Eye Museum in Seoul is another fun stop, with 3D artwork perfect for silly photos. Theme parks like Everland and Lotte World are also good options, with rides and shows that entertain the whole family. For outdoor fun, the snowy season makes December ideal for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Yongpyong or Vivaldi Park. Cities like Seoul and Busan also set up ice skating rinks, which are a simple and enjoyable way to embrace winter. Additionally, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), known as the most futuristic plaza in Seoul, is a multi-cultural complex designed to support the spread of culture and the development of design and fashion in South Korea, another great family-friendly place to visit.
Snowy wonderlands or sun-soaked beaches, you can’t go wrong with these destinations, each filled with exciting moments for the whole family. Take pictures, leave footprints. Make that trip with your family and create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Pack, Bond, Explore—Repeat!
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